Exotic Yukata project (2004)

As kimono is worn less and less in Japan, traditional shibori techniques and production methods are being lost. The Exotic Yukata Project was intended to inspire and stimulate Japan’s cottage industry surrounding shibori cotton yukata production. WSN members aimed to elevate the perception of yukata as a design canvas to a level shaking conventional design rules thereby attracting Japan’s youth to this traditional craft.

The Exotic Yukata Project invited WSN members to create their own original yukata kimono cloth. Arimatsu and Narumi shibori artisans and producers from Japan translated these individual designs into bolts of fabric and exhibited them alongside the original contemporary fabric submissions. Japanese artisans accepted custom orders for production.

Bandhani Development Project (2001)

Established as a relief effort against the devastating February earthquake. Founded by The National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, headed by Dr. D.O. Koshy, Director, and Ms. Aditi Ranjan, Head of Textile and Costume Dept., and Ms. Yoshiko Wada, then Vice-President of World Shibori Network. Fundraising efforts held through shows and sales at the Museum of Carft & Folk Art, SF; and workshop residencies for international designers with students at NID and local craftsman and women, funded in part by a generous grant from Aid to Artisans (participants included Christina Kim of Dosa; Marian Clayden).